Darn this spread is high. But I want the Warriors going for me here being rested in a huge revenge spot and drawing the Thunder at low ebb.
Oklahoma City embarrassed Golden State, 108-91, at home on Nov. 23. The Warriors don't get embarrassed too often. That also was the only time during the past eight meetings the Thunder have covered against the Warriors.
The Warriors should be fresh being idle for two days. The Thunder, by contrast, will be playing for the fourth time in six days. They are 1-4 since losing underrated Andre Roberson, their best defender, for the season because of a knee injury.
This is a big number to lay. Understand. But the Warriors have the offense to overcome it ranking No. 1 in the major scoring categories, including points, shooting percentage, free throw percentage and 3-point percentage. The Thunder have allowed each of their last three opponents to make at least 13 3-pointers. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant are all in line for big games.
Tuesday Free Play
Cavaliers minus 7 at Magic
No team is underacheiving and burning bettors more than the Cavaliers. Cleveland actually is closer to missing the playoffs than being on top of the Eastern Conference.
Now the Cavaliers, off a 32-point home loss this past Saturday to the Rockets, - their second-worst beating of the season - are back in action today playing on the road against Orlando.
Mercifully this game won't be on national television. That's a good thing for the Cavaliers since they have lost the last eight times they've been on national TV. It's also good from their perspective to be meeting the Magic, a team they have beaten 19 of the last 21 times although they are 0-3 ATS versus the Magic this season.
Even without injured Kevin Love, the Cavaliers hold a major talent edge. The spot sets up well, too, for Cleveland. The Cavaliers haven't played since that Saturday night massacre while the Magic are coming off a 111-109 road upset win against Miami Monday night. The Magic beat the Heat despite missing their best player and leading scorer Aaron Gordon.
Gordon has missed the last four games due to a strained left hip flexor. He's not expected to play in this matchup having already withdrawn from the Slam Dunk contest during All-Star weekend because of the injury.
Line value? Forget it. You're not going to get that in the NBA. But the talent edge and ripe situation should be enough for the Cavaliers to pick up a rare cover.